The Daily Palette will be celebrating the Iowa State Fair all this week with images of the Fair's Fine Arts exhibits and Photography Salon.

IOWA STATE FAIRFine Arts exhibits

The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest expositions of its kind in the country. It is one of the Midwest's most popular attractions and people from all over the United States (and the world!) visit the Fair each summer to enjoy its many activities and special events.

The first Iowa State Fair was held in Fairfield in 1854. During the subsequent three decades, the Fair made its home in Oskaloosa, Iowa City, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, and several other major cities in Iowa. In 1886 it finally settled in its current location, on permanent fairgrounds in Des Moines.

While many visitors go to the Fair to eat fried food, see the Butter Cow, and view the livestock exhibits, the Iowa State Fair is also home to Iowa's largest art show. Visit the Fair to see artwork in a variety of media. Head to the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center, the Fabric and Threads Department, and the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building for art demonstrations, exhibits, and more!

The Iowa State Fair begins this Thursday, August 7th, and runs through August 17th!